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Brussels firefighters make 2021 charity calendar available exclusively online

A group shot from the 2021 Fire Fighters calendar (Johann Donfut)
10:17 29/10/2020

Every two years, Brussels firefighters pose in various stages of undress for their charity calendar. This year, for the first time, the calendar will only be available online.

Sales from the new 2021 calendar featuring men and women from the capital’s fire service will benefit three charities: Pinocchio, which helps children with burns, Red Hose Line, which helps fire-fighters suffering from cancer, and the Infirmières de Rue, a street nursing organisation.

Pinocchio, an association that works for the well-being of children and young people injured by fire, provides financial support to parents and works to make the hospital stay for young people brighter thanks to Cliniclowns who come and entertain the patients, and the purchase of games and toys to help pass the time during treatment.

Red Hose line supports on-duty firefighters who have been affected by cancer by providing financial but also moral support so that these men and women can continue to work and live a full life in the best conditions possible.

Infirmières de Rue is a medical and social organisation that is fighting to end homelessness in Brussels. Their mission is to seek lasting solutions to this problem, including paying special attention to the homeless, and their talents while providing them with housing.

This year’s calendar cover star Lars Dhooghe, who has only been a firefighter for two years. He told Flemish broadcaster VRT that he was initially reluctant to take part and laughed off the suggestion that he should be involved. However, his wife insisted.

“My wife said, ‘If you spend so much time and put so much energy into doing sports and then end up looking like this, well, then you have to take part’,” said the fireghter.

All the images used in the calendar are taken by Johann Donfut, himself a firefighter and photographer.

The calendar costs €10 and can be ordered from here: https://brusselsfirefighterscalendar.be/

Written by Nick Amies